President’s Report- December, 2024

To: All AFHM Members and Supporters

RE: AFHM President’s Message – December 2024 – FINAL Farewell

This message marks my final communique as President, in line with the ending of my 2-year term as per Bi-laws limitations. It has indeed been an honor to have served in this capacity to oversee and influence the direction of the AFHM all-volunteer, non-profit military history organization. I have truly enjoyed the journey and look forward to the incoming executive leadership team under the direction of Bryan Branson as the new president and supported by incoming VP Sandra Conville.

In stepping away I want to take a moment to highlight some of the accomplishments we have realized during my tenure as president over this past year:

• A $10,000 grant award from the Burlington County Board of Commissioners and Parks Service to fund our Blacks in the Military ” Right to Fight” documentary series.

• Successfully conducted our 2nd annual golf fundraiser outing at the Cream Ridge Country Club that raised $6,000 in General Use funds.
• Reached an agreement with the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) to fund at least two JROTC scholarships at select NJ area high schools
• Completion of a “Standards of Excellence” self-assessment as aligned with the America Association for State and Local History (AASLH) organization that assists museums with their mission focus and required compliance factors. We were assessed at a Basic level against six (6) standard of performance levels (e.g. Mission/Vision/Governance, Audience, Interpretation, Collections, Historic Structures & Landscapes, Management). An action plan is in process toward achieving a higher level of performance over the next 1-3 years (e.g. Good, Better). This assessment initiative has the potential for greater eligibility and acceptance regarding future grant pursuits while ensuring we are performing to the best of our capabilities as a functioning museum entity
• Awarded JROTC/ROTC scholarships of $1000 each to five (5) graduating high school seniors from both Shawnee and Northern Burlington High Schools. (Note: AFHM also made a $1000 donation to a scholarship trust of the late Bordentown Township Mayor Steve Benowitz in his honor and remembrance)
• Installed four (4) Revolutionary War “Ten Crucial Days” reader rail displays on the mobile unit along with an accompanying video on the 90″ TV screen
• Formalized an agreement with the Rowan College of Burlington County to conduct classroom sessions on AFHM and its military history programs for registered LIFE participants that began with the 2024 Fall Semester. Participants will also be invited to tour the Lawrence House as an added program benefit
• Submitted a Burlington County Re-Grant application request of $10,000 in budgeted funds for design and layout changes to the mobile unit to transition its theme to exhibits that promote the State’s “America 250” celebration in 2026
• Received a Burlington County Times “Best Of” Community Choice Award in the Museum category
• Awarded an Honorable Mention for “Historic Structure Repurposing” from the PreservationNJ nonprofit history organization for the Lawrence House Museum project
• Successfully initiated a NJ gaming license allowing us to promote a “Super 50/50” campaign as an added fundraising initiative. The drawing was held on December 13^th, with winnings exceeding $6000 to a Bordentown resident. Well done indeed!

These accomplishments are certainly great news that speaks to the great work being done by our volunteer members and supporters. Now it’s on to the New Year with best wishes for an even greater 2025!

Note:  going forward, I will be assuming the role of “Ambassador”, with more on that responsibility to be outlined in a subsequent communication.

Respectfully submitted,

Roy Plummer, President

AFHM